RS condemns MP's video of parliament complex

Fri, Jul 22, 2016, 01:03 PM

New Delhi, July 22: Lok Sabha MP Bhagwant Mann's video on social media showing details of his entry into parliament was widely condemned by Rajya Sabha MPs on Friday, who demanded strict action against him.

The issue led to a ruckus and adjournment in the upper house where members across party lines said it was a compromise with the security of Parliament.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP on Thursday shot a video clip of the journey from his residence to Parliament House, including going past the various security pickets, and uploaded it on the social media, drawing flak from various quarters for putting the security of Parliament House in peril.

"He went through the security an put everything on social media," Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) member Naresh Gujral said.

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien pointed out that the member belonged to the Lok Sabha and that house should take up the issue.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the Mann's action could give out details of Parliament security to terrorists.

"You are giving all details to the terrorists... And he said he will post more such videos," said the minister.

"This is not a technical issue it is an issue of national security. There should be action against the person who did this," he said.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it was a "major threat" which should not be overlooked.

Congress leader Anand Sharma said during the 2001 Parliament attack, the terrorists had lost their way.

"Our Parliament has seen a dastardly attack. They came from gate number 12, but lost their way. Our watch and ward staff was alert and they shut the doors. The firing was on while the Prime Minister and whole Cabinet was in this house," he said.

"The security procedures have to be a secret," he said, adding that the Lok Sabha should take action against the MP.

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury said it was also a matter of breach of privilege.

"It is also a matter of privilege. What I am saying in this house is also a privilege which is not to be disclosed in public unless decided so. Action should be taken and the chair should convey our sentiment to the other house," he said.

The discussions led to a ruckus, and ruling BJP members then trooped near the Chairman's podium, after which Kurien adjourned the house till 12 noon.

When the House met again, the scene was no different and Ansari then adjourned the House till 2.30 p.m.

The video, posted by Mann on Thursday morning, shows him entering Parliament and he explains how the radio tag on his registered car allows him to enter the complex. He then shows his way inside to the notice office of Lok Sabha on the ground floor of Parliament complex, and the procedure of submitting and selection of questions.